Peabo Bryson, best known to soap fans for singing the popular “One Life to Live” theme song from the 1980s, and the Disney classics “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast,” has died. He was just 75 years old.
Though an official cause of death was cited, on Sunday, May 31, a rep for the family announced that Bryson had suffered a stroke and was under medical care.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” said the entertainer’s family in a statement reported by Variety. “He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.
“In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
Though his duets with Celine Dion (“Beauty and the Beast” from 1991’s “Beauty and the Beauty”) and Regina Belle (“A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin”), respectively, were his most recognized songs, Bryson also scored several other hits, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” “You’re Looking Like Love to Me,” “As Long as There’s Christmas,” “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “I’m So into You” and “Crosswinds,” among others.
ABC
In 1985, with music by Dave Grusin and lyrics by Randy Goodrum, Bryson appeared in an episode of “One Life to Live” singing what would become a vocal rendition of the show’s then-instrumental theme, which remained a signature part of the daytime soap opera until 1991.
In 1992, Bryson performed “Beauty and the Beast” alongside Dion at the Academy Awards, with “Beauty and the Beast” up for Best Original Song. Though the song took home the Oscar by the end of that night’s broadcast, the actual award went to songwriters Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, as performers are not considered for awards. That said, the following year, Bryson and Dion won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their work on the song.
Bryson took home his second Grammy in 1994 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1994, alongside Belle, for “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” The song also won the Oscar for Best Original Song the same year, though the award was again given to composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice.
In 2025, Bryson took part in a multi-city celebration tour, titled “Peabo Bryson: The Golden Touch Tour,” in honor of his 50 years in music.
Details on the celebration of life and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; their son, Robert; his daughter, Linda Bryson; and his three grandkids.
Listen to Bryson’s renditions of some of his most famous works below.